To paraphrase the German coach, he contended talking about different systems really doesn’t apply to the modern game as it did a generation prior, and what everyone should concern themselves with how the players “connect with each other”.

Saturday night in Jacksonville, Florida the team connected very well and they did so with a flexible formation different from what he’d deployed in the two previous matches. The US 4-2-3-1 shifted and moved to allow Clint Dempsey to roam forward with Jermaine Jones pushing up to fill the hole on the left and the formation really looked more like a 4-4-2 on the attack. But to Klinsmann’s point, the formation had far less to do with the success as did the individual commitment to team play.

This odd shift of Dempsey and Jones pushing forward seemed to assist in keeping Nigeria in a mindset of not pushing forward itself, especially as the US showed off some quick counterattacking. But when Nigeria did venture forward the US team was organized enough to fall back into the more defensive formation with Jones and Beckerman patrolling in front of the back four. This provided one of the team’s better defensive performances in some time. But again, the formation was only tactical part of it, the mentality of the Americans to play for each other was the gasoline that fueled it.

It does seem likely what we saw in Jacksonville is very similar to what Klinsmann will roll out against Ghana. As the game’s minutes passed it felt like a good time to pull off the stars, especially Michael Bradley, but Jurgen left almost everyone on for the duration of the game, minus a few exceptions. Bradley, the man who breaks beep-tests for a living – played the full 90. There’s a method to that madness, and the US’ fitness levels – which look off the charts – will play a big part in Brazil. Write that down.

After some sketchy play in the two previous matches, the US leave American soil with a solid, but not showy performance against another World Cup participant. Doubters will rightfully point out Nigeria didn’t really seem to have their full will in the game, especially late when the US could’ve/should’ve added two or three other goals, but that would be silly nitpicking.

Other notes:

* Clint Dempsey might be the captain of this team, but Michael Bradley is the boss. Make no mistake about it. Somewhere in the 2nd half Clint attempted a needlessly showy, skill heavy pass that almost became a dangerous turnover. Bradley was quick with a verbal reprimand, Clint tried to bark back but Michael was having none of it and had the last word. There can be no doubt, the US will go in Brazil as Bradley does. If Bradley can churn out three performances in group play like he did on Saturday, you have to feel very, very good about getting out of the group.

* Jose Altidore continues to show promising signs he’s settling back into a good form, and the two goals were just reward for a guy that has clearly been working very hard. HIs 2nd goal in particular was of the, “leap off the sofa and cheer” kind. It was that good.

* Klinsmann finished the game in what can only be described as a 5-4-1 with Gonzalez, Besler and Cameron in a trio of center backs. Here we are again talking formations, despite his objections, but this was important to see because it shows he’s got a plan for killing off games. Although on Saturday the changes caused a lot of confusion, lead to the Nigerian penalty and also highlighted that very worrisome Omar Gonzalez trait of “switching off” at exactly the wrong time. Just minutes after coming on, Omar was seen forgetting his mark who’d made a very smart run into space. Omar was far too late in recognizing his loss and the team was only saved by an offside call. While many think Omar will lose his starting spot due to injury, it’s more likely its due to mistakes like that one. But hopefully it’s not the last time we see that formation ’cause if you do it means the US has some points in pocket.

* Fabian Johnson is quickly becoming both the team’s secret weapon and a fan favorite. There’s very good reason for it as who doesn’t love a bombing fullback who knows when to take up attacking space – but there is a worrisome streak too. Fabian had 5-6 terrible passes in midfield that gave Nigeria solid counter attack opportunities. Now, American organization and superior fitness was able to snuff all of those out, but we’ve seen this from Johnson in his performances. It hasn’t cost the US yet, but keep an eye on it.

* Tim Howard had his 100th cap for the men’s team and it was a rather slow day. But in the 83rd minute a defensive break down allowed Emmanuel Emenike to get through on goal. He took a very good chance from the top of the box, and Howard made a fantastic stop. Do not dismiss the level of difficulty, plus the fact Tim hadn’t really done much for 83 minutes. It was hopefully a great sign of things to come simply because the US weakness in the back line will need all the Tim Howard it can get. Truth be told, Howard very well may end up being the team’s most important player before the tournament ends.

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This Sports Day Soccer Blog is a partnership with 3rdDegree. This blog will bring together soccer coverage from both the award winning Sports Day staff and the commentary and editorials of 3rdDegree. Owned and managed by media veteran, Buzz Carrick, 3rdDegree has been providing insight and coverage of soccer at all levels since 1997, and in particular, focusing on the Major League Soccer franchise, FC Dallas. The partnership was developed to share content and coverage for the betterment for the fans of soccer in the DFW area.